Report: Child abuse deaths increase in Sacramento County

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA - There were four times as many child abuse and neglect deaths in Sacramento County in 2008 than 2007, according to a report prepared for the Child Abuse Prevention Council.

The numbers showed 12 children's deaths were ruled homicides compared to three in 2007. Biological parents were responsible for most of the deaths, according to the report, and half of the victims were known to Child Protective Services.

In all, there were 166 child deaths in 2008 and one-quarter of them were determined to have been preventable, according to the analysis.

The report also showed infant sleeping-related deaths were at their highest level since 1993. Unsafe sleeping environments were found in each of the 27 deaths.

The Child Abuse Prevention Center compiled the report. President Sheila Boxely said their analysis showed when funding was cut in Sacramento County, child abuse deaths rose. She warned the numbers will only get worse if funds continued to be slashed.

The Child Abuse Prevention Center will present its complete Child Death Review Team Annual Report to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors next Tuesday.